Invasive MRSA Cases Fall in Hospitals

The worst form of staph infection is declining in U.S. hospitals, new research suggests. The study looked at infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. They resist most antibiotics. That makes them very hard to treat. MRSA is mainly a skin infection. But the study focused on invasive cases. They are the most dangerous cases because they can spread throughout the body. The study looked at data from 9 metropolitan areas. Invasive cases dropped 16% between 2005 and 2008. Researchers said the drop reflects better germ-control efforts by hospitals. Many hospitals also test people for MRSA when they are admitted. The drop did not apply to all MRSA cases. Skin infections did not fall. The study appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The Associated Press wrote about it August 11.